MTV's 'Buckwild' was canceled after the carbon monoxide poisoning death of Shain Gandee, top row, center, and two companions during a late-night off-roading outing on April 1. / MTV

by Carol Memmott, USA TODAY

by Carol Memmott, USA TODAY

MTV has canceled season two of the reality show Buckwild a week after the death of one of its most popular stars, Shain Gandee, who will be remembered in a special set to air Sunday at 8 ET/PT.

"After careful consideration, MTV will not be moving forward with Season 2 of Buckwild in West Virginia," the network announced in a statement this morning. "We love the cast and the show and this was not an easy decision, but given Shain's tragic passing and essential presence on the show, we felt it was not appropriate to continue without him. Instead, we are working on a meaningful way to pay tribute to his memory on our air and privately."

Sunday's show, Buckwild: WV to the NYC, was shot before production began on season two. The tribute will follow an airing of the entire first season of Buckwild beginning at 2 ET/PT.

"Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time for our family. We have truly felt all the love and know that Shain is resting peacefully," Shain's mother, Loretta Gandee, said in a statement. "Shain was an incredible, outgoing and positive person who was loved by whoever he met. We are honored that we were able to let the world see what a wonderful son we had. He was the best son anyone could ask for. As we look to honor him in our lives every day moving forward, we are happy to share some of his last moments doing what he loved best: having fun and making people laugh."

Gandee, 21, and two others were found dead on April 1 in Gandee's Ford Bronco. Autopsies showed that all three men died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Gandee was last seen around 3 a.m. on the morning of April 1 when he told friends he was going off-roading or "muddin'" with his uncle and another man.

Gandee's Bronco was discovered partially submerged in mud on a trail about a mile from his house in Sissonville, W.V.

Buckwild premiered in January, but not before some West Virginians including Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., asked MTV not to air it. After a trailer for the series went live on MTV's website Nov. 28, Manchin sent a letter to MTV asking it to cancel the series, which he says was "repulsive" and "plays to ugly, inaccurate stereotypes about the people of West Virginia."

The 12-episode seriesshowed nine young people partying, using firearms, driving recklessly and using a dump truck as a swimming pool. Its Feb. 7 finale drew 2.7 million viewers, and the series was renewed for a second season.

The show was also in the news following the arrest of another cast member, Salwa Amin, 24, on three felony drug charges in February.